Book notes: Books vocation ministers recommend

HORIZON asked members of the National Religious Vocation Conference to report on books they have found helpful in their ministry. Dozens of members reported their favorite titles, naming books that have helped in a variety of ways. Some told of books that have helped them grow spiritually and stay grounded in a tough ministry. Others recommended titles that give them a better understanding of the current young adult or church context. Still others told of books that deliver in-depth understanding of the very concept of vocation. Following are all of the book titles NRVC members submitted, including additional comments people gave about their choices. 

BIG QUESTIONS, WORTHY DREAMS, by Sharon Daloz Parks (2nd edition 2011, Jossey-Bass)
I’ve found this book helpful in keeping me focused on the developmental issues of 20-somethings. We use it to train new professionals in student affairs and campus ministry, and I think it would help those working in vocation ministry. 
 
AWAKENING VOCATION, by Edward Hahnenberg (2010, Liturgical Press)
I find this book helpful for providing the theological underpinnings to the work we do in campus ministry.  —Melanie-Prejean Sullivan

A SACRED VOICE IS CALLING: PERSONAL VOCATION AND SOCIAL CONSCIENCE, by John Neafsey (2006, Orbis Books) —Greg Darr and Brother David Murphy, S.M.

QUIET: THE POWER OF INTROVERTS IN A WORLD THAT CAN’T STOP TALKING, by Susan Cain
At least a third of all candidates vocation directors will be dealing with are introverts. And there is much more to an introvert than just a preference to reading a book versus attending a party! An introvert myself, I was once told by a community long ago that I did not have a vocation with them because I was not an extrovert.

I recommend this book because it is highly enlightening and can revise stereotypes that just are not true. —Sister Marva Hoeckelman, O.S.B.

SING A NEW SONG: THE CHRISTIAN VOCATION, by Father Timothy Radcliffe, O.P. (1999, Templegate)
This is a book to which I return time and time again. Indeed, reading it for the first time many years ago awakened me to the vibrancy of religious life in the contemporary world so much so that it was my inspiration for entering my own community. Father Radcliffe’s reflections cover a wide-range of topics, including prayer, the counter-cultural witness of religious life today, the nature of vows, human sexuality, the biblical significance of study, building communities and living in “contemporary tension.” The way in which he presents these topics is vibrant, still relevant, and profoundly human. Father Radcliffe invites and inspires the reader by presenting religious life as a viable and exciting commitment to deep loving. The text is eminently practical and provides a wonderful basis for walking with those who are discerning and as they enter into early stages of integration into religious community. 

While the material in the book was intended primarily for religious, I believe it also helps those of us in vocation ministry who strive to work with others to build a “culture of vocation” more broadly. It calls all Christians to be a transforming presence in the world, especially with the poor in mind. It is an invitation to fidelity and passion for all of us in the promises and commitments of our lives. For, as Father Radcliffe points out in a personal story, the very fact that humans are willing to make vows or promises into an unknown future makes each one “hope for the most hope-less” in the world. This is a book that, I believe, can enable us at every level to enter into our vocation ministry with energy for the future.  —Sister Mary Rowell, C.S.J.

THE HOLY LONGING: THE SEARCH FOR CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY, by Father Ronald Rolheiser, O.M.I. (2009 reissue, Image) —Father Adam MacDonald, S.V.D., and Father Jeremy Paulin O.M.V.

VOCATIONS ANONYMOUS: A HANDBOOK FOR ADULTS DISCERNING PRIESTHOOD AND RELIGIOUS LIFE, by Sister Kathleen Bryant, R.S.C.
I especially like Chapter 4, “Religious Life.” It contains six reasons under “Why Consider Religious Life?” and 10 transformative elements of religious life. —Sister Lucille Flores, S.S.M.B and Sister Alice Condon, C.S.C.

DISCERNING THE WILL OF GOD: AN IGNATIAN GUIDE TO CHRISTIAN DECISION MAKING, By Father Timothy Gallagher, O.M.V. (2009, Crossroad Publishing)

GOD’S VOICE WITHIN: THE IGNATIAN WAY TO DISCOVER GOD’S WILL, by Father Mark Thibodeaux, S.J.  —Father Adam MacDonald, S.V.D.

CATHOLICS ON CALL: DISCERNING A LIFE OF SERVICE IN THE CHURCH, edited by Father Robin Ryan, C.P. (2010, Liturgical Press)

PRAYER, OUR DEEPEST LONGING, by Father Ron Rolheiser, O.M.I. (2013, Franciscan Media)

MY LIFE WITH THE SAINTS, by Father James Martin, S.J. (2007, Loyola Press)  —Sister Theresa Sullivan, D.C.

A SIMPLE LIFE-CHANGING PRAYER, by Jim Manney (2011, Loyola Press). 
This book about the Ignatian Examen can be very helpful, and it’s easily accessible. 

WHAT’S YOUR DECISION? HOW TO MAKE CHOICES WITH CONFIDENCE AND CLARITY: AN IGNATIAN APPROACH TO DECISION MAKING, by Michael Sparough S.J., Jim Manney, and Tim Hipskind S.J. (2010, Loyola Press) —Father James Stoeger S.J. 

A BOOK OF HOURS, by Father Thomas Merton, O.C.S.O., edited by Sister Kathleen Deignan, C.N.D. (2007, Sorin Books)
This is a sort of “greatest hits” of Merton quotes. I don’t recommend reading it straight through, but I do find wonderful quotes that are useful for both prayer times and reflection sessions.     —Sister Laura Leming, F.M.I. 

LOVER OF MY SOUL: DELIGHTING IN GOD'S PASSIONIATE LOVE, by Alan D. Wright (2013, Random House)

LIFE OF THE BELOVED: SPIRITUAL LIVING IN A SECULAR WORLD, by Father Henri Nouwen (2002, Crossroads Publishing) 

Both books speak of the great love God has for us and how much Christ cares for us along with the important foundation of personal relationship with them on the journey of discernment. These books speak to the deepest desires of our hearts and to a call greater than ourselves.   —Sister Connie Bach, P.H.J.C.

ENGAGING A NEW GENERATION: A VISION FOR REACHING CATHOLIC TEENS, by Frank Mercadante (2012, Our Sunday Visitor)

FORMING INTENTIONAL DISCIPLES: THE PATH TO KNOWING AND FOLLOWING JESUS​, by Sherry Weddell (2012, Our Sunday Visitor)

I learned about both of these books at the 2016 NRVC convocation in Overland Park, Kansas. These two books give a good understanding of teens today (Mercandante) and a perspective on what type of church you should invite the candidates to (Weddell). —Father Leandro Fossa, C.S.

SEVEN SACRED PAUSES: LIVING MINDFULLY THROUGH THE HOURS OF THE DAY, by Sister Macrina Wiederkehr, O.S.B. (2010, Sorin)

NEW GENERATIONS OF CATHOLIC SISTERS: THE CHALLENGE OF DIVERSITY, by Sister Mary Johnson, S.N.D.deN. Sister Patricia Wittberg, S.C.; and Mary Gautier (2014, Oxford University Press)

The Wiederkehr book has been invaluable in helping me move discerners toward a deeper appreciation of the Liturgy of the Hours. New Generations of Catholic Sisters has helped to put vocation ministry into the bigger context of the demographic changes in religious life. It also addresses the changing perspectives on the unfolding of religious life in this time of immense challenges and opportunities. —Sister Adrienne Kaufmann, O.S.B.

DISCERNMENT: READING THE SIGNS OF DAILY LIFE, by Henri Nouwen (2015 reprint edition, HarperOne) —Friar John Bamman, O.F.M. Conv.

LOVE POEMS FROM GOD: TWELVE SACRED VOICES FROM THE EAST AND WEST, translated by Daniel Ladinsky (2002, Penguin Books)
I find this book is very beneficial for my own sanity and peace of mind.  —Brother James McDonald, C.F.C.

THE BIBLE
A few books are useful for the practical aspects of the ministry, but it’s the Bible that nourishes me the most and keeps me going, so I’d say it’s the most helpful!  —Sister Theresa Lee, F.M.A.

THE ART OF WINNING SOULS: PASTORAL CARE OF NOVICES, by Father Michael Casey, O.C.S.O. (2012, Cistercian Publications) —David Murphy 

GOD'S VOICE WITHIN: THE IGNATIAN WAY TO DISCOVER GOD'S WILL, by Father Mark Thibodeaux, S.J. (2010, Loyola Press)      —Sister Elisa Ryan, O.S.U.

THEOLOGY OF MINISTRY, by Thomas O’Meara (Second edition 1999, Paulist Press)
This book is written by a theologian who, as noted on the book’s back cover, describes ministry as “past Scripture and present movements suggest what the Holy Spirit intends ecclesial service to be today. This turns out to be a theology of grace which views God’s presence in the world as the source, milieu and goal of ministry.”

The whole book is fascinating; I particularly recommend reading O’Meara’s Definition of Ministry in Chapter 6, part 2: “Christian ministry is the public activity of a baptized follower of Jesus Christ flowing from the Spirit’s charism and an individual personality on behalf of a Christian community to witness to, serve and realize the kingdom of God.” And then read the expansion of this definition as time permits. —Maureen Cetera 

LET YOUR LIFE SPEAK: LISTENING FOR THE VOICE OF VOCATION, by Parker J. Palmer  (1999, Jossey Bass) 

WISE CHOICES: A SPIRITUAL GUIDE TO MAKING LIFE'S DECISIONS, by Margaret Silf (2007, Bluebridge)

THE ART OF DISCERNMENT: MAKING GOOD DECISIONS IN YOUR WORLD OF CHOICES, by Stefan Kiechle (2005, Ave Maria Press)   —Lori Ritz, Associate, Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mother

We encounter many books on discernment in vocation ministry, and we wonder which book to use. I was drawn to The Art of Discernment for its simplicity, practicality, helpful information, and readability. Within its 121 pages, the book explores what to do when the mind and heart are at odds, the issue of time, and the will of God. For vocation directors, discerners, and readers who are looking for greater simplicity in discernment, the book provides the criteria for and methods of discernment. Kiechle also acknowledges difficulties that come up while discerning, ending the book with a chapter on “The Ten Guiding Principles of Discernment.” I usually give a brief presentation on discernment using the main points from the book at our discernment weekends and Come and See Days. Busy vocation directors, young adults, and more serious discerners who may not have the time to read many books on discernment may find the book calming and helpful as this book can be read in a brief period of time but be referenced throughout their discernment journey.  —Sister Mary Yun, O.P.

Related article

“Help is at hand: Guidebooks on the way to religious life,” by Joel Schorn, VISION, vocationnetwork.org.